Helping a Loved One Through a Mental Health Disorder

When a friend or relative suffers from a physical illness, it’s tough. But at least the process of finding the best possible treatment is relatively straightforward. Unfortunately, when those conditions are of a mental capacity, you don’t even have that type of solace. But you can still do a lot to help the victim through this very difficult time.

Whether the sufferer has opened themselves up or you’ve spotted the signs of an issue isn’t important. Many victims endure the pain in silence, so simply knowing that there is a potential problem is a breakthrough. Then again, it counts for very little unless it is followed up in the right manner. Quick action is key.

Discussing those anxieties and fears can be beneficial for the victim. In truth, though, professional help is needed. You wouldn’t try to fix a broken bone without the help of a doctor, and medical support is equally vital for repairing mental scars too.

Nonetheless, you can still do a lot to help your friend or relative. Firstly, you need to know that they are set to receive the right treatment, which means understanding the risks. Knowing the fallout of when EMDR goes wrong will give you a better chance of knowing whether it’s right or wrong. Essentially, every patient is unique, and an appreciation of the condition’s source is vital.

There are many different treatments available, and those initial sessions are the key to a quick recovery. Mental health can be broken down into many different disorders. Likewise, there are varying stages of severity. Whatever happens, your patience could make a telling difference. Those medical services can be expensive, though, which can cause further problems. Whether it’s relinquishing assets on behalf of the victim or providing a loan isn’t important. Removing those financial worries one way or another is pivotal.

Throughout their continued treatment, it’s important that you encourage good physical health too. A healthy body fuels a healthy mind. Preparing nutritious meals can be one of the best forms of help available. Meanwhile, regular exercise releases positive vibes as well as physical benefits.

Mental health is not a game. There are many forms of help available, from preparing nutritious meals to encouraging exercise. Photo via Pixabay (CC0 Public Domain).

Perhaps most importantly, your friend or relative should feel supported at all times. Feelings of loneliness can amplify those mental problems tenfold. Whether it’s attending meetings with them or visiting in the evenings, that regular time will keep them strong. If nothing else, it’s a great way for you to monitor the progress and regressions.

If this is something you’ve never faced before, it can be scary for you too. Talking to other people that have helped loved ones through similar situations can provide great tips and advice. If nothing else, those discussions can improve your emotional mindset too. Given that the sufferer needs you now more than ever, this is arguably the most important aspect of all.

Society’s understanding of mental conditions is greater than ever, but it’s still a troublesome time for everyone involved. Be their rock throughout this period, though, and they will get the help that’s needed.

Hi Christy…
Great article as always and love your suggestions. That few minutes we take to listen can have a huge impact on someone struggling. Love, compassion and yes sometimes suggesting further help come into play. Just plain loving another can have amazing results.

A great post and a timely message. The statistics suggest that we will all be touched (our own or a loved one) by a mental health issue. I like Carl Jung’s thought: “As far as we can discern, the sole uproar of human existence is to kindle a light in the darkness of mere being.”

I have much experience dealing with loved ones with mental illness. It’s difficult, and has me very stressed, from time to time. Now that one has passed, I still harbor guilt, which is crazy because I did so much. The other won’t get help, and I am afraid to be alone with the person, as they have already violently attacked me. I’m lucky I’m alive.
In retrospect, I think I should have pressed charges. That may be the only way they will get ever get help. It’s very upsetting.

I’m sorry to hear about this awful incident that happened to you, Resa. I bet you were in shock at the time.. It sounds like in retrospect you learned a lot from it though.. I hope he/she gets the proper help.. Unfortunately it often takes realizing we need help before we get it.. and that’s a big hurdle to overcome.. may be the case for that person in your life..

I absolutely loved your post and will soon share if that’s ok? I def want my husband to read it as he has had to ‘deal’ with me for years through my lows (bless him and Im so grateful to have him around)! My biggest issue is KNOWING what Im putting my loved ones through but not being able to do anything about it!! Aaaggghhh it’s so frustrating! Anyway just wanted to say I truly enjoyed reading it and got heaps out of it. Thank you!!! x

“You wouldn’t try to fix a broken bone without the help of a doctor, and medical support is equally vital for repairing mental scars too.”

I wholeheartedly agree. It’s unfortunate that some people don’t view mental health as serious as a physical condition. I was President of the Mental Health Awareness club at my school, and this was an ongoing topic of discussion. Posts like this one that you’ve written, though, will hopefully educate those around us to give mental health the attention it deserves.